Eat before or after morning workout?

[sskeckowski]

I can't get my day started unless I hit the eliptical first thing in the morning. I usually cannot get myself out of bed early enough to eat anything before I head out and have read many different opinions on whether you should eat before or after.

So, should I make the extra effort to get out of bed a little sooner to eat AND what is the best food to have? I have read fruit is the best because of glycogen levels in the liver are lowest at that time...

[Verti-gal]

There's been a lot of discussion on this topic, and what it seems to boil down to is it really depends on the person. Some people don't have the energy to do a workout on an empty stomach, some get an upset stomach if they've eat directly before working out.

[amj0883]

You could always down a scoop of protein powder and water so it won't be so heavy on your stomach!

Are your goals to gain muscle or lose fat? If your trying gain muscle I do not believe in fasted cardio!

[twinnett]

I thought you were cutting down on cardio???

I would have at least a shake..you're VERY thin and don't want to risk losing any muscle!

[Tr0ublesome]

I agree with a response above it depends on the person. If your really short on time, I'd put the cardio as first priority. I'm doing the same thing right now, when I wake up I hop on the treadmill before breakfast than on my way to school I bring a shake with me and a packed lunched so eat after class.

[trainwithrae]

fasted cardio is great, just put some bcaas in your water bottle as you do cardio to avoid muscle loss. No need to eat before cardio, just ensure you eat before LIFTING and after of course

[CrystalSilva]

fasted cardio is great, just put some bcaas in your water bottle as you do cardio to avoid muscle loss. No need to eat before cardio, just ensure you eat before LIFTING and after of course

bcaas?

[allisonb]

fasted cardio is great, just put some bcaas in your water bottle as you do cardio to avoid muscle loss. No need to eat before cardio, just ensure you eat before LIFTING and after of course

I agree!!!!
I get up @4:30am to workout... it's the only time that I have.
I do not have time to eat. I do drink a cup of coffee, then drink my XTEND (BCAA'S) during my workout.
Then I have my protein shake post workout ( I let it chill in my fridge while I'm working out).
Then I have my oatmeal about 30 minutes later on my way to work

[trainwithrae]

bcaas?

branched chain amino acids

[TPower81]

BCAA=to preserve muscle.

Its easier for the body to convert muscle to energy than it is to convert fat when its in a pinch. So when you're running low, (fasted state), you need these readily available amino acids to supply to your body so it doesn't eat its own muscle, or at least they are available to rebuild after a light, fasted cardio session.

[SexyChic]

Before but I can't work out on an empty stomach.

[imperfectly_lou]

Fasted cardio is often recommended for women trying to lose bodyfat. The original poster is extremely underweight and should really not be doing ANY cardio, let alone fasted.

[twinnett]

Thank you Lou...that's what I was saying!